Arsenal table new Ben White bid to prevent Man City and Chelsea off transfer hijack

Arsenal have made a higher offer for Brighton star Ben White to stave off the competition from Manchester City and Chelsea. The England international is top of Mikel Arteta’s wish list.

Arsenal have tabled a new bid to sign White from Brighton this summer, adding millions onto their £50m offer.

It comes as several other Premier League clubs ramp up their interest in the England international, who is currently with the Three Lions at Euro 2020.

City, Chelsea and Everton are looking to make a deal with Brighton for White’s services, with the latter even matching Arsenal’s bid.

Gunners coach Arteta is desperate to land the centre-back, who is a top target after the departure of David Luiz.

It has left Arsenal vulnerable at the back and White has become integral to the club’s summer plans.

According to the Transfer Window Podcast, the Emirates outfit have ramped up their efforts to land the 23-year-old by upping their bid.

Their initial £50m offer saw £45m up front with £5m in add-ons but the new bid is now £48m with £6m in add-ons, taking the total to £54m.

Whether it does enough to ward off the likes of City and Chelsea remains to be seen, though both clubs are well-stocked at the back.

It was only a year ago when the Etihad side splashed out around £60m on Ruben Dias, who had an incredible debut season in the Premier League.

While Chelsea have agreed a one-year extension to Thiago Silva’s contract, who despite his age at 36 still looks a formidable defender.

Meanwhile, agreeing personal terms with White has never been a problem with the Poole-born ace keen on a move.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said on his Here We Go podcast: “Talking about Ben White, there is nothing with Chelsea because he is really, really close to joining Arsenal.

“He has an agreement on personal terms already with Arsenal and he wants to join Arsenal.

“Now Arsenal and Brighton are talking about the fee of around £50m. It’s not done yet, but they are getting closer.”